2014 Oso, Washington, landslide killed 43 people Debris Flow Local News 

At Home When Debris Flow Strikes: There Is Hope

By Jennie Dusheck After an intense heat wave, weeks of fire and smoke, hundreds displaced, and the worst pandemic in a hundred years, all of us are more than ready for recovery and healing. But many in the CZU fire zone are facing debris flows capable of carrying away or crushing buildings, vehicles, and people.  Early evacuation is the safest… Read More
Last Chance Community Post-Fire Watershed Defense Coalition Fire Fire Recovery Local News 

Post-Fire Watershed Defense Coalition Takes Action

By Beth Prentiss with Rebekah Uccellini Kuby and Tiffany Worthington While cooler weather and rains may spell relief for some people worried about wildfires, for others they mean a race against the clock to protect our waterways from toxic ash runoff before heavy rains begin. The Post-Fire Watershed Defense Coalition has been working non-stop since the wildfires to contain the… Read More
COVID California Santa Cruz County Coronavirus Local News 

County Stay-at-Home Order in Effect 12/17

REGIONAL STAY-AT-HOME ORDER IN EFFECT TOMORROW County of Santa Cruz Press Release: To preserve critical ICU capacity and protect the health and safety of residents, the remaining Bay Area Region counties, including Santa Cruz County, will implement the Regional Stay-at- Home Order based on data released by the state showing ICU capacity has fallen below the threshold for implementation. The… Read More
Debris flow hazards santa cruz mountains san lorenzo valley Debris Flow Fire Local News 

Debris Flow Hazards in the Santa Cruz Mountains

A GEOLOGIST “TRANSLATES” HAZARD MAPS By Gail Mahood Introduction Anyone driving up Hwy 9 has spotted the new electronic signs warning “Debris Flow Hazards Ahead” and urging citizens to sign up for the Code Red alert system. This is part of the Santa Cruz County response to the debris flow hazards the San Lorenzo Valley is facing this coming winter… Read More
Santa Cruz County Planning Department Fire Local News 

Fire Recovery Permit Center Open

This morning, December 4, 2020, the county announced the opening of their Fire Recovery Permit Center for residents who lost or experienced damage to their homes during the #czulightningcomplex fire. Today’s press release: FIRE RECOVERY PERMIT CENTER NOW OPENThe County of Santa Cruz announces the opening of the Recovery Permit Center (RPC) to assist CZU Lightning Complex residents with all… Read More
Governor Gavin Newsom Stay at Home order Coronavirus Local News 

Governor Newsom Issues Regional Stay-At-Home Order

Due to increasing cases of COVID-19 Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered non-essential travel to be restricted for 3 weeks for regions with less than 15% ICU capacity. Gatherings of any size will be prohibited, the order closes many businesses except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires enforced mask-wearing and social/physical distancing. Retail would be limited to 20% capacity, take… Read More
CA Coastal Commission Art & Poetry Contest Art Education Local News 

CA Coastal Commission Art & Poetry Contest

Students in grades K through 12 are invited to submit their original art and poetry to the California Coastal Commission’s Coastal Art & Poetry Contest. All entries must have a California ocean or coastal theme. Last day to enter is January 31 2021. Review contest guidelines at https://www.coastal.ca.gov/art-poetry/#guidelines. The event is sponsored by Acorn Naturalists. For more information, or to… Read More